The Need for Presidential Initiative On Youth and Job Creation.

By: Murtala Adogi Mohammed

One thing I observed in the last four days of the protest is the high number of underage protesters. We need to act immediately—time waits for no one. Our problems are growing faster than our solutions. Mr. President should establish the Presidential Initiative on Youth and Job Creation.

There are numerous youth interventions from different ministries and agencies, but sadly, what is completely missing is coordination. What we have seems like disjointed efforts.

However, we need to note that delivering effective youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria hinges critically on how we approach these challenges.

It's not just about implementing programs but ensuring they are executed with strategic precision and foresight. As we look to the future, the method of delivery will determine our success.

If we fail to get it right, the cost will be immense—wasted resources, disillusioned youth, and a missed opportunity to harness the potential of a generation.

Our focus must be on innovative, sustainable solutions that address the unique needs of our young population and secure a prosperous future for all.

It’s not only about what we do for our young people; it's also about HOW we do it. The "how" is very important. Here are some quick questions:

1. Is there any governor in Nigeria who knows the number of unengaged, unemployed, and out-of-education youth in their state?

2. Is there a well-coordinated central dashboard that shows the trends in youth employment and empowerment in Nigeria?

3. ⁠For all the Federal Government-led youth interventions, is there a clear transition plan indicating when the state should take over?

We need to think creatively about the "how." It can no longer be business as usual.

The path to effective youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria lies in our commitment to the "how" of implementation.

Through prioritizing strategic, data deiven, innovative, and sustainable approaches, we can unlock the full potential of our youth, driving economic growth and national development.

The cost of failing to do so is too great to ignore. It's imperative that we act with urgency and purpose, ensuring that our efforts today pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

Murtala Adogi Mohammed.
Founder/CEO,
System Strategy & Policy Lab (SSPL)

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